a bleeding purple utah jazz blog

Game 64 vs. ORL: Still stayin’ alive

The game started out like this (Jazz’s Playoff chances sliding out the door):

The game ended like this (Jazz sliding right back into the Playoffs):

The game would not have been won, in my opinion, without Derrick Favors and Jamaal Tinsley. They may not have been the ones hitting daggers, but they were instrumental in keeping the Jazz in the game when the chips were down and then pushing the Jazz into position to win the game.

Just as important (if not more so, in my world) as the win: Jerry Sloan was in the house attending his first Jazz game since his resignation.

Sadly, this bit did not surprise me at all:

Here is Jerry after the game, good-naturedly crossing the street with the common people (via @brianspittler):

And in breaking news that you will not see written up elsewhere (because other people writing up posts on this game have better things to do): Gordon Hayward got a haircut.

Unintentional Dirty Quote Machines of the Night (UDQM)** Josh Howard on returning to action: For sure the Playoffs, but I always optimistic. I want to come before. So hopefully one of those games next week.** Mullin or other guy: Only place Harris could put it, and he put it in the hand of Paul Millsap.** Mullin or other guy: Hayward came down with it. Can’t go.** Devin on Al and the Playoffs, post-game: I think we both want it pretty badly.

Other non-Jazz-related, but awesome quotage:** Announcer: “And with the playoffs right around the corner, Ty Lawson hoping his Nuggets will be there.” (H/T Alexandria VA)